Smith returns in Cabinet reshuffle

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye has been elevated straight
into Cabinet and Nick Smith also returns in Prime Minister John
Key's reshuffle - but their promotions come at a cost to Phil
Heatley and Kate Wilkinson, who have both been dumped.

As expected Mr Key has appointed David Carter as the new
Speaker to take over from Lockwood Smith when he resigns
later this month to become the High Commissioner in London.

Mr Key also opened up two other places at the Cabinet table,
by demoting Phil Heatley, currently Housing Minister, and
Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson from Cabinet, saying
they had made a contribution but "I have made the judgement
that it is time for fresh energy and ideas and for other
members of our talented 59-strong caucus to be given an
opportunity".

Simon Bridges, currently a Minister outside Cabinet, has been
promoted to Cabinet in the third open slot - taking on the
Labour and Energy and Resources portfolios.

Dr Smith will take over the Housing and Conservation
portfolios and Ms Kaye will be Minister for Food Safety,
Civil Defence and Youth Affairs.

Senior Whip Michael Woodhouse has also been made a minister
outside Cabinet and will be Immigration and Veterans' Affairs
minister.

The changes will take effect from January 31.

Ms Wilkinson resigned from her Labour portfolio in the wake
of inquiries into the Pike River mine explosion.

As Mr Key earlier indicated, Hekia Parata has kept her job as
Education Minister - but Mr Key has moved responsibility for
the teachers' payroll Novopay system from associate education
minister Craig Foss to his troubleshooter, Steven Joyce.

Cabinet

John Key: Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Minister
Responsible for Ministerial Services, Minister in Charge of
the NZ Security, Intelligence Service
Minister Responsible for the GCSB.

Bill English: Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance.

Gerry Brownlee: Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery,
Minister of Transport, Leader of the House, Minister
Responsible for the Earthquake, Commission.